CONCERT CAPSULE: THE MAYHEM BALL

The “Mayhem Ball” is Lady Gaga doing what she does best: mixing over-the-top visuals, deep cuts, fan-favorite anthems, and moments of pure unpredictability. On July 28, I found myself right in the middle of it all at the first Los Angeles stop, thanks to a last-minute ticket purchase that turned into one of the best concert decisions I’ve ever made.

When I got to the venue, the atmosphere was already different from your average pop show. Orchestral music filled the air instead of pre-show hype tracks, where a digital Gaga sat at a desk with a quill, “writing” as fan-submitted “Voices of Mayhem” appeared beside her on the big screen, short messages from fans that were unique to each tour date. It was strangely fitting for the theatrical stage design, which looked like a mash-up of opera house drama and neon fever dream. From here, the show unfolded in acts, each one its own mini-world. Some moments were pure nostalgia, some were deep cuts I never thought I’d hear live, and others were so unexpected they made the whole arena collectively lose its mind.

The show opened with an operatic, shortened version of “Bloody Mary,” a more haunting, theatrical take. At this moment, the light-up bracelets we’d been given at the start of the show all lit up in unison, casting a blood-red glow around the arena that perfectly matched Gaga’s massive red ball gown. This dress was next-level, I’m talking as tall as a house and covering nearly a quarter of the stage. When it literally opened up like a cage to reveal dancers underneath, it was one of the many moments from the show that I realized the technicality on this tour was otherworldly. From there, Gaga shifted into “Abracadabra” with an alternative acapella intro. She locked eyes with the ceiling and declared, “The category is… Dance or die,” before telling the crowd repeatedly, probably a hundred times throughout the night, to put their “f*cking hands up.” It was impossible not to lose yourself here. I was jumping, screaming, and singing along with a total stranger I’d met just before the show, perfectly capturing the welcoming, wild energy of a Gaga crowd.

“Judas” blended into Abracadabra so smoothly it felt like one continuous anthem. Gaga hyped us up with a loud “Let’s go, LA! Are you ready to party?” and yes, I was. The transitions kept coming fast and furious, “Aura” was a beautiful surprise, especially since Gaga once seemed to overlook ARTPOP songs live. To see her now fully embracing that era felt like a personal victory for longtime fans like me. Next came “Scheiße” a Born This Way classic with a long intro mixing elements of the previous songs. The energy was electric, and it felt like the perfect storm of Gaga’s signature theatricality and unapologetic attitude.

“Garden of Eden” kept the insanity, with Gaga picking up a guitar and playing while walking the catwalk near my seat. She broke into a dance break and afterward, she knelt and froze right in front of us, soaking it all in while the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. That moment felt raw and special, like a shared breath between performer and fans. To close the act, “Poker Face” unfolded as a mini drama as Gaga faced off against a younger version of herself in a chess match. The choreography was so tight, so cinematic, it felt like watching a short film live. The operatic and orchestral intro and outro wrapped the song in this elegant frame that kept the energy high but added a layer of sophistication.

This next act shifted into darker, moodier territory. Gaga kicked it off with “Perfect Celebrity,” performed in a sandbox stage prop. The song and the setup felt like a commentary on the fame machine, gritty and raw. Then came “Paparazzi,” but not as you’d expect. Gaga stumbled down the catwalk on crutches, wearing a cape that, as she moved, transformed into a rainbow. It was a beautiful, clear love letter to the LGBTQ+ community, reminding everyone of the inclusivity at the core of her art. “LoveGame” followed and Gaga worked the catwalk fiercely, absolutely commanding the stage. 

When “Zombieboy” hit, I lost it. It’s my favorite track off Mayhem and hearing it live was a moment I never thought I’d experience. The crowd was electric, dancing and singing along, and I was just feet away from Gaga herself. It felt like a private party in an arena full of thousands. The switch to “Applause” was smooth but unexpected. The crowd was ready, though, and it sent energy surging back through the arena. Then came “Just Dance,” a childhood anthem for me. I remember singing and dancing to it with my sister growing up, and hearing it live healed something in my heart. It was pure joy mixed with nostalgia, a perfect reminder of where it all began.

The act to follow was packed with surprises. Gaga opened with “Kill for Love,” a version of an unreleased track I didn’t even know existed until that night. It sounded amazing, and I can’t wait for it to officially drop. “Summerboy” was next, and this was one of those full-circle moments. It’s been years since Gaga performed this live, and I honestly thought I’d never get to hear it. Thanks to a TikTok resurgence, it made its way back to the setlist, and I was so grateful to be there for it. “Born This Way” was a huge emotional moment. It’s a gay liberation anthem that always hits deep, but hearing it live had me dancing, singing, and crying all at once. The energy in the arena was pure love and acceptance.

Then Gaga performed “Shallow” from A Star is Born, floating across the catwalk on a boat prop. The technicality was impressive, but the moment was genuinely beautiful and intimate. Following was “Die With a Smile” as a solo piece, and I swear Gaga locked eyes with me during it. This would of course lead to another standing ovation breaking out, as they should! She closed the act with “Vanish Into You,” dedicated to her two nieces who were in the audience. Gaga walked the barricade, interacting with fans in a way that made the arena feel much smaller and more personal.

The finale exploded with “Bad Romance,” how could it not? Everyone was dancing, singing, and jumping to one of the most iconic songs of the 2000s. Then the mood shifted as Gaga stripped down for “How Bad Do U Want Me,” using the song as a metaphor for her rawest, most vulnerable self. It was a beautiful, stripped-back moment that showed the complexity beneath the spectacle. Finally, “Swine,” The first time Gaga has performed it since 2014. Hearing this track brought the whole show to an intense, electric close. The beat drop sent a fluttering pulse through the crowd, and it was the perfect way to end a night full of surprises, deep cuts, and iconic moments.

The Mayhem Ball was everything I hoped for, a blend of big theatrics, tight choreography, a setlist that touched on every corner of Gaga’s career wrapped in a gothic dream.